Nicholas Arnold

     Nicholas was born in 1550 in Northover, Somersetshire, England. Nicholas was bound over and served as an apprentice tailor in his early years in the small village of Northover. Nicholas married Alice Gully, daughter of John Gully and Alice (?), circa 1570 in Northover, Somersetshire, England. Nicolas became quite skilled in his trade and after the birth of his oldest child, he moved to the larger town of Ilchester on the opposite bank of the Ivel River, near the ancient Roman Ford. There he became a prosperous merchant tailor until his death. His son William also entered the trade and became a part of his father's business. During his life Nicholas had been an influencial citizen of Ilchester as well as a member of the Guild of Tailors for nearly 50 years.² Nicholas's wife, Alice, died before 25 April 1596 in Ilchester leaving him a widower. Nicholas married 2nd Grace (?). Nicholas made his will on 18 January 1622/23.

In the name of God Amen the 18th day of January, 1622, I Nicolas Arnold of Ilchester in the Countie of Somersett Taylor, doe make constitute & ordeyne this my last will & testament in manner & forme following: First I revoke recall & disanull all wills made before the Date of this my last will. - - - Item I bequeath my soule into the hands of God my blessed saviour and redeemer hopinge by him alone to be saved and my body to be buried in Christian buriall at the Discresion of my executrix. - - -Item I bequeath to Grace Arnold my wife all my goods moveable and unmoveable within and without Dores to the intent she shall guid & bring up my two youngest Daughters her children and when it shall please God to take her out of this mortal lief to Dispose the said goods at her pleasure unto these two children. - - - I make and ordeyne the said Grace my wife my sole and only executrix to this my last will & testament to see my Debts and Funeral charges paid and discharged. Alsoe I Doe by thies presents constitute Ordeyne appoynt my sonne William Arnold & Ambrose Chappell my friend to be overseers to this my last will & testament. Witnesses hereunto John Raven, Thomas Arnold.³

Nicholas departed this life in Ilchester. He was buried there in the churchyard of St. Mary Major on Thursday, 26 January 1622/23.⁴ His will was probated on 28 July 1623. The inventory of his estate was presented and value given at £7. 16s. 5d.